Experienced Plantation Florida Burn Injury Lawyer
Plantation Florida Burn Injury Attorney
Find out why we are some of the best Plantation burn injury lawyer
A burn injury can be one of the most devastating and painful experiences that a person will ever go through.
If you are in Plantation, Florida, and have suffered a burn injury due to someone else’s negligence, you need to seek the guidance of a knowledgeable attorney.
At Goldberg & Loren, our experienced personal injury lawyers are specially trained to handle cases involving burn injuries, and they understand the unique legal challenges associated with such cases.
Causes of Burns in Plantation
Burns can occur for a variety of reasons in Plantation. Common causes include:
According to the American Burn Association, some of the most common causes for burn injuries include [1]:
- Motor vehicle accidents
- Work accidents
- Residential fires
Motor Vehicle Accidents
Vehicle accidents can contribute to burns in several ways. One of the most common causes of burn injuries in vehicle accidents is the ignition of gasoline or other flammable materials. When a car crashes and ruptures its fuel tank, gasoline can leak and ignite, causing severe burns to the occupants of the vehicle or to bystanders.
In an auto accident, the heat generated by the impact or friction can cause burns to the skin or even result in clothing catching fire. If the car’s airbag deploys, the heat and force of the airbag can cause burns as well.
Another way that vehicle accidents can contribute to burns is through exposure to hot surfaces, such as when a car engine or exhaust pipe becomes overheated and burns anyone who comes into contact with it.
In 2022, Broward County experienced 35,282 car accidents – or about 9% of the state’s total crashes. Those collisions resulted in 20,836 injuries and 237 fatalities. [2]
Workplace Burns
Workplace burns can occur in a variety of ways, including:
- Thermal burns: These are caused by exposure to hot surfaces, hot water, flames, steam, or other heat sources. Industries such as manufacturing, construction, or food service workers are at high risk of thermal burns.
- Chemical burns: Chemical burns occur when the skin comes in contact with dangerous chemicals such as acids, solvents, or alkalis. Workers in industries such as agriculture, chemical manufacturing, or janitorial services are at high risk of chemical burns. Chemical spills or malfunctioning equipment can also contribute to burns in the workplace.
- Electrical burns: These occur when workers come into direct contact with electrical currents or faulty electrical equipment. Examples of occupations that can be at high risk of electrical burns include construction workers and electricians.
- Radiation burns: Workers who are exposed to ionizing radiation in industries such as healthcare or nuclear power generation can suffer from radiation burns.
Employers should take appropriate safety measures such as providing protective equipment, safety training, and promoting proper work practices to help reduce the risk of burns and other workplace injuries.
Burns can have a devastating impact on an individual’s life, and victims of burn injuries may be entitled to compensation if their injury was caused by another party’s negligence.
Residential Burns
Residential fire burns can happen due to a variety of causes such as electrical wiring defects, kitchen fires, smoking, or arson. Homeowners and landlords may be held liable for burn injuries that occur as a result of their negligence or failure to keep the property safe.
If a homeowner or landlord is responsible for the fire, they may be held liable for the injuries that result from the fire. Liability may be established if one of three legal theories applies such as:
- Negligence: To prove negligence a burn victim must show that the homeowner or landlord was negligent in the care and maintenance of the property and/or equipment. A burn victim must prove that the homeowner or landlord had a duty to ensure the safety of the property, failed to meet it, and this resulted in the injuries.
- Premises liability: In this case, a burn victim must show that the homeowner or landlord was aware, or should have been aware of a dangerous condition or defect and failed to rectify it or give warning to the burn victim of its presence.
- Product liability: If the burn was caused by a defective product or a faulty piece of equipment in the house, a burn victim can file a personal injury lawsuit against the manufacturer of the product or the equipment.
Apartment fires can be devastating for residents, and unfortunately, they are all too common. According to the National Fire Protection Association an estimated 890 apartment building fires occur each year in the United States, resulting in an average of nine deaths, 37 injuries, and $126 million in property damage. [3]
Homeowners and landlords have a responsibility to ensure the safety of those who live in their properties. If they fail in this responsibility, they may be held liable for any burn injuries that result from their negligence or failure to keep their property safe.
Other Causes of Burns
Laser Hair Removal Burns
Laser hair removal burns can occur during laser hair removal if the equipment used is not properly calibrated or if the provider is not properly trained. When laser hair removal is performed, a beam of intense light is used to heat and damage hair follicles. If the light is too intense or the pulse duration is too long, it can cause the skin to become overheated and result in burns.
The likelihood of experiencing burns increases for patients with tanned or darker skin, as the melanin in their skin can absorb more laser energy and become overheated more easily. Additionally, if the skin is not properly cooled during the procedure, it can increase the risk of burns.
Tanning Booth Burns
Tanning booths use concentrated UV radiation to stimulate the production of melanin in the skin, which causes the skin to darken or tan. Overexposure to these UV rays can lead to burns.
Tanning booth burns are categorized as two types of burn injuries: acute burns and chronic burns. Acute burns occur when the individual stays in the tanning booth for too long, resulting in immediate redness and blistering. Chronic burns, on the other hand, occur with repeated exposure to UV radiation over time, which can lead to premature aging, wrinkles, and an increased risk of skin cancer.
The severity of the burns can depend on several factors such as the individual’s skin type, age, and the type and intensity of the UV radiation used in the tanning booth. The use of tanning booths is particularly dangerous for people with fair skin, as they are more susceptible to burning and are at an increased risk of developing skin cancer.
Negligence-Related Burns
Negligence-related burns are burn injuries that have been caused by the careless or reckless actions of another.
When a person acts negligently, they are failing to provide the standard of care that is required under the law and this can result in serious physical harm, including burns. Burns can range from minor to catastrophic and victims may suffer:
- Disfiguring scars
- Soft tissue injuries
- Death
It is important for victims to understand their rights and seek legal advice from a Plantation personal injury lawyer as soon as possible after an accident has occurred.
Compensatory Damages for Burn Injuries in Plantation, Florida
Compensatory damages are awarded to those who have suffered a burn injury due to another’s negligence. In Florida, victims may be able to recover compensation for:
- Medical bills
- Lost wages
- Psychological damages
- Disfigurement and scarring
- Property damages
- Punitive damages
In Plantation, Florida, burn injury victims can consult with experienced burn injury attorneys who can help assess the damages they are entitled to and pursue compensation for their injuries and losses.
Medical Expense Reimbursement
Medical expense reimbursement is a type of financial award that burn injury victims may be eligible to receive. This compensation covers the costs of medical care associated with the injury, such as:
- Emergency care
- Hospital stays
- Burn care facilities
- Long-term care
- Doctor visits
- Physical therapy
- Medications
In order to receive medical expense reimbursement, burn victims must show that their injury was caused by the negligence or recklessness of another party. A successful personal injury claim can result in significant monetary awards that allow burn injury victims to pay for necessary medical treatments such as skin grafts.
Lost Wages and Future Earning Capacity
Lost wages and future earning capacity refer to the amount of money a burn injury victim is unable to earn due to their injury. Burn accident victims may be entitled to compensation for:
- Missed work
- Reduced hours
- Reduced career opportunities
Lost wages and future earning capacity can be calculated by taking into account the victims, age, occupation, education level and job history.
Pain and Suffering Compensation
Pain and suffering compensation is a type of financial award that burn injury victims may be eligible to receive in addition to medical expenses and lost wages.
Pain and suffering can include both physical pain, as well as emotional distress due to the injury. In order to receive this type of financial compensation, burn victims must show that their injury was caused by the negligence or recklessness of another party.
Disability or Disfigurement Awards
Disability or disfigurement awards are financial awards given to burn injury victims who suffer from permanent disability or catastrophic injuries due to their burns.
These awards are designed to compensate for the pain, suffering and emotional trauma associated with the disability.
In order to receive a disability or disfigurement award, burn victims must be able to prove that their injury was caused by someone else’s negligence or recklessness.
Punitive Damages
In severe burn injury cases that arise due to the reckless or intentional action of the party causing the injury, a burn victim in Plantation, Florida, may be entitled to punitive damages.
Punitive damages are awarded by a jury or judge to punish the defendant for their behavior and to serve as a deterrent for similar behavior by others in the future. These damages are awarded in addition to actual damages, which may include medical expenses, lost wages, and mental anguish.
Punitive damages are typically awarded in cases where the conduct of the defendant was intentional, malicious, or grossly negligent. If an individual deliberately sets fire to a home or business without regard for the lives and safety of those inside, punitive damages may be awarded in addition to compensatory damages.
The amount of punitive damages awarded depends on factors such as the severity of the victim’s injuries, the degree of misconduct by the defendant, and the financial resources of the defendant.
Proving Liability for Your Burn Injury in Plantation, Florida
In Plantation, victims of burn injuries may be able to receive compensation for their losses if they can prove that their severe injury was caused by someone else’s negligent behavior or recklessness.
This can be done by gathering evidence to demonstrate that the negligent party failed to exercise reasonable care and, as a result, caused the burn injury. This evidence may include:
- Photos of the scene of the accident
- Witness statements
- Medical records
- Other relevant documents
Contact Our Experienced Burn Injury Lawyers Today
At Goldberg & Loren, our experienced and dedicated team of burn injury lawyers are committed to helping victims seek justice and compensation for their injuries.
Our attorneys have years of experience handling a wide range of burn injury cases, from motorcycle and workplace accidents to medical malpractice and more.
If you or a loved one has sustained a burn injury due to the negligence of another party, our law firm is here to help. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation at 1-888-688-5110 and learn more about your legal options.
Sources:
[1] Burn Incidence Fact Sheet – American Burn Association. (2017, May 8). Burn Incidence Fact Sheet – American Burn Association. http://www.ameriburn.org/resources_factsheet.php
[2] Crash Dashboard. (n.d.). Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles. https://www.flhsmv.gov/traffic-crash-reports/crash-dashboard/
[3] NFPA. (n.d.). NFPA. https://www.nfpa.org/
Goldberg & Loren Personal Injury Attorneys
1776 N Pine Island Rd #224,
Plantation, FL 33322
(954) 727-3571
If you have suffered burns due to an accident in Florida you may be entitled to compensation for those injuries. We want to help!
We Represent Those Who Have Suffered Burn Injuries in the Following Cities and Communities Near Plantation, Florida.
- Broward County, FL
- Coconut Creek, FL
- Cooper City, FL
- Dania Beach, FL
- Davie, FL
- Fort Lauderdale, FL
- Lauderdale Lakes, FL
- Lauderhill, FL
- Margate, FL
- North Andrews Gardens, FL
- North Lauderdale, FL
- Oakland Park, FL
- Palm Beach County, FL
- Pembroke Pines, FL
- Sunrise, FL
- Tamarac, FL
- Wilton Manors, FL
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